Excessive delay is hampering the completion of Noorbagh-Qamarwadi bridge.
Srinagar, April 8: One of the most delayed development works in the summer capital, the much-awaited Noorbagh-Qamarwari project remains stuck even after more than a decade.
The project, which was launched to prevent traffic bottlenecks and give better connectivity to North Kashmir with Srinagar, has led to frequent delays leading to a traffic crisis.
The project, being implemented by the R&B department, has missed several deadlines over the years. The traffic volume has increased manifold since the project began in 2011. The bridge, which spans 127 meters at Qamarwari and connects Noorbagh and other areas across the Jhelum river, is facing extreme delays.
“I was not even of legal age to drive when I saw the bridge work starting. Today transportation through this area has become so inconvenient. Every year we hear that the bridge will be completed, but at the ground level it is still incomplete. It was supposed to make our travel easier, but instead, it has become a major traffic bottleneck,” said Muhammad Junaid, a local.
Commuters said most of the roads downtown have been dug up and traffic jams around the bridge have become common amid the Eid rush.
Since the beginning of the project, several chief engineers and concerned SEs have taken over the project, but so far no one has been able to complete the bridge and open it to the public.
“Amidst the increased traffic flow, such projects, which were supposed to provide better connectivity, are pending. Dealing with these incomplete projects, including this one, is a nightmare. We hope that we will see the completion of this project in our lifetime,” said Farooq Ahmed, a commuter.
A senior official of the R&B department said it has been a decade since the project started. He said that over the years, the project was delayed due to many hurdles and most of the issues have been resolved.
“There was a major issue of clearing structures including shops. The project was delayed due to land acquisition and other issues. “We have resolved all the issues and the bridge will be completed by June this year,” an official said.
